If that's the case then so much for development. I would hate to see Gates go to the Jets or Pats and blossom into a deep threat/returner.

I wouldn't dispute that Duper and Clayton were elite in their time. I also wouldn't say they were only good because of Marino. We had several talented WR's in Marino's era that are probably not elite.

When I say elite I mean dominant week in and week out.

Marino only played with 3 Pro Bowl receivers in 17 years. Duper, Clayton and Fryar.

Tony "Skinny" Martin was borderline when he was in San Diego but just pretty good while he was here.

Irving Fryar was pretty good as well but didn't really hit elite status when he played with Marino. Only 5 out of 17 years over 1000 yards.

The top 5 WR's (for td's) during the Marino era were....

1 Clayton 79
2 Duper 55
3 McDuffie 25
4 Nat Moore 24
5 Jim Jensen 19

Duper had only 2 years with over 10 TD's. Clayton had 4 years over 10 td's. Not great when you think about it considering the amount of TD's Marino threw.

It is not an easy task for a WR even though the best ever (Rice) had 9 years with 10 td's or more.

Michael Irvin: 1 year
Chris Carter: 6
Randy Moss: 9
Terrell Owens: 8
Marvin Harrison: 8
Tim Brown: 2

Not sure what my point is but there is some useless info for ya.

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“I'm here" You're welcome!" - Kenny Powers